6. Gator and Copter

A pair of bobcats named Gator and Copter who were found abandoned by their mothers as kittens were taken to Big Cat Rescue in Florida, where they were nursed back to health.

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The pair made their triumphant return to the wild after they were rehabilitated. When rescuers opened the cage gates, Gator made a fast dash for freedom.

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A little more nervous, Copter was moved closer to the forest -- and he was finally able to make it back into the wild where he belongs.

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7. Elephant seal pups are free again

A group of young elephant seal pups fell ill with infections when they were scooped up the California Wildlife Center just in time. The pups spent two weeks recovering at the center and learning to feed themselves. Luckily, photographer Kim Barker was on hand to document the pups' progress.

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Finally, the big day arrived, and the pups were released back into the ocean at Leo Carrillo Beach near Malibu.

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It took a little time to get the hang of ...

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... But soon enough they were naturals again.

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8. Four bear cubs get a new life

Four unlucky grizzly bear cubs were orphaned when their mothers died, but their luck changed when they were brought to a rehabilitation center in British Columbia. They spent seven months at the center, cared for by rescuers from IFAW and the Northern Lights Wildlife Society (NLWS).

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Workers carried each tranquilized bear to a helicopter dock by hand.

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Then the bears were airlifted to the release site (they were unconscious during the flight).